Otaku in Japan

Japan is a land of stark contrasts. Though it has a civilization which dates back thousands of years and rituals and customs which have been followed for a long time - it also is one of the most technologically and industrially advanced nations in the world. 

Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in the Land of the Rising Sun. Otaku is one of the modern quirks of the Japanese society which has attracted attention worldwide. Literally - Otaku is the honorific form of Taku, which means residence or home.

Otaku refers to individuals who have an obsessive interest in a hobby. They remain in their home for exceptionally long periods of time, and usually ignore their work and studies. The social life of such people is virtually non-existent and the hobby - usually Anime, Manga, Video Games, Cosplay, or some other form of entertainment - becomes the sole focus of life.

Akhiabara is a popular shopping destination in Tokyo. It stocks electronics, computers, anime, and Otaku goods.

Otaku who spend a lot of time in Akhiabara shopping and admiring anime, idols, and games are known as Akiba-Kei.

Don't miss to check out Akihabara Electric Town the next time you are in Tokyo.

It would be difficult to find out the exact numbers - but Otaku sub-culture has a large following in Japan and outside the shores of this nation.

Japanese Anime, Manga, and Cosplay have a substantial fan following and no doubt a percentage of the fans are obsessive. They organize meet ups and take part in large conventions.

Apart from Anime, Manga, Video Games, and Cosplay - some other forms of Otaku are - Pasokon Otaku - Personal Computer Otaku, Wota - Idol Otaku, Tetsudo Otaku - Railfans, Gunji Otaku - Military Otaku, and Reki Jo - female Otaku interested in Japanese History.